Korean Pork Chops
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Aug 19, 2024 
Bold and spicy Pan Fried Korean Pork Chops! An easy pork chop recipe that will perk up dinner any night of the week.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the National Pork Board. All opinions are our own.
Korean Pork Chops
We all love simple recipes that are quick enough to make after a long day at work. When those same recipes are also special enough to make for weekend dinner parties, what a bonus!
Today’s Pan-Fried Korean Pork Chops are such a recipe.
The pork chops are rich and spicy with a tangy-sweet note from the marinade. As the pork chops cook, the marinade simmers into a thick glistening pan sauce that packs a punch.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve these pork chops with a simple veggie side dish, like snap peas, or cauliflower rice, for a simple low carb meal.
Or make them the centerpiece of an Asian-inspired holiday feast, with kimchi, fried rice, and stir fried vegetables.
I have used this Korean-style marinade on many forms of protein. Yet I believe it’s at its best on pork!
The combination of the zesty marinade with rich juicy pork chops, is so tantalizing, you’ll want to make them every week.
In fact, I’ve noticed this with many dishes at home and in restaurants… Chefs all over the country are recreating dishes to incorporate pork, because of its luxurious texture and taste.
Plus, pork is an affordable protein option that can be used in everything from succulent comfort dishes to lean low carb meals.
Temperature for Pork Chops
The holidays are a great time to celebrate with pork! Although our Pan Fried Korean Pork Chops might not be traditional holiday party fare, they would certainly be the star of any feast.
Just make sure not to overcook your Korean Pork Chops.
It’s safe to cook pork chops to just 145 degrees F, leaving the center a light shade of pink and extremely juicy, followed by a three-minute rest.
Here I cooked mine to about 150 degrees, which ensures the meat is still moist and tender. Once you get beyond 160 degrees internally, the pork will dry out.
These Pan Fried Korean Pork Chops have been a sensation at our house this season! I recently served them sliced over creamy five-spice risotto and they were a revelation. Even though the marinade is decidedly Asian, the flavor profile goes with all sorts of side dishes.
Be adventurous this season, and give Pan Fried Pork Chops a try!
Pork Chop Ingredients
- Center-cut pork chops, 3/4- to 1-inch thick
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Korean gochugang sauce
- Honey
- Sriracha sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Grated ginger
- Sesame oil, for cooking
- Possible garnishes: sesame seeds and chopped scallions
How to Pan Fry Pork Chops
- Pour the soy sauce, gochugang, honey, Sriracha, garlic and ginger in a small bowl. Stir well. Place the pork chops in a baking dish.
- Pour half of the marinade over the pork chops, reserving the rest for later. Allow the pork chops to marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If marinating longer, cover and refrigerate the pork chops until ready to use. Then let them sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the sesame oil and swirl around the pan.
- Place the pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Then flip once more and pour in the remaining marinade. Let the pork chops simmer in the marinade 2 minutes, then remove from heat. The chops should rest 5 minutes before serving.
Get the Full (Printable) Korean Pork Chops Recipe Below!
More Pork Chop Recipes
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Perfect Sous Vide Pork Chops
- Easy Smoked Pork Chops (with Brine)
- Oven Baked Pork Chops
- Apple Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
- Grilled Pork Chops + Carolina BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Pork Chops Recipe with Pineapple Salsa
Find more savory pork recipes and cooking tips on PorkBeinspired.com.
Also look for @PorkBeinspired on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Pan Fried Korean Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless center-cut pork chops, 3/4- to 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Korean gochugang sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, for cooking
- Possible garnishes: sesame seeds and chopped scallions
Instructions
- Pour the soy sauce, gochugang, honey, Sriracha, garlic and ginger in a small bowl. Stir well. Place the pork chops in a baking dish.
- Pour half of the marinade over the pork chops, reserving the rest for later. Allow the pork chops to marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If marinating longer, cover and refrigerate the pork chops until ready to use. Then let them sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the sesame oil and swirl around the pan.
- Place the pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Then flip once more and pour in the remaining marinade. Let the pork chops simmer in the marinade 2 minutes, then remove from heat. The chops should rest 5 minutes before serving.
Can I use bone-in chops
Hi Tina, Sure! :)
I was looking for a different pork chop recipe, and this one is it! It was a spicy, sweet and savory dish that my whole family LOVED! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Awesome!
Why is meats always regarded as protein? Why not just say meat. I am reading a recipe, not a science experiment.
Because not all proteins are meat. Tofu is a protein, and is not meat. So when it is said ‘I have used this marinade on all sorts of proteins” that can include things like Tofu, Quinoa, and Lentils. Which, if someone desired, they could add this seasoning to.